CIRCUMSTANCES OF LOSSCaptain Noel Castle, a talented marksman, participated in the defense of Corregidor as commanding officer of Company D, First Battalion, 4th Marines.

When the Japanese invasion force landed on the night of 5-6 May 1942, Captain Castle was a conspicuous presence, most notably organizing a force of rear-echelon troops near Malinta Tunnel and leading them into action near Battery Denver.

At some point during the night, Castle was killed by Japanese gunfire. His burial was never reported, and the location of his grave is not known.

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Biography:
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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) (Posthumously) to Captain Noel Oker Castle (MCSN: 0-5323), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action against the enemy while Commanding Company D, Fourth Marines, in action at Corregidor, Philippine islands, on 5 – 6 May 1942. On that date, Captain Castle was supervising the re-installation of damaged beach defense weapons in the east sector, Corregidor, at the time when the Japanese launched their landing attack against the island. During the intense bombardment supporting the attack, Captain Castle, by his example of personal bravery and outstanding leadership, encouraged his men to resist to the utmost against overwhelming odds, with the result that a larger number of casualties were inflicted on the enemy. When the crew of a machinegun, which had been firing against the advancing enemy, was so reduced by casualties as to be unable to continue to man its gun, Captain Castle personally manned the gun and continued firing until he was killed. Captain Castle’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service.

Articles and Records:

Corporal Clark gave this sworn statement about Captain Castle’s death while a prisoner of war at Cabanatuan. Note the differences in this statement when compared to Castle’s Silver Star citation. Philippine Archives Collection.

Photo Gallery:

UMD Terrapin Yearbook, 1936.

ROTC Major Noel Castle, commander of First Battalion at UMD.

The UMD “Terps” Varsity Rifle team, 1936.

USMC picture of Noel Castle in 1937, as part of the Corps marksmanship team.

Leatherneck Magazine.

A portrait of then-Lieutenant Castle, taken while he was serving in China. Photo courtesy of Kelly Duncan.